Car Review: 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Plus

When Dodge brought the Challenger back to life a few years back, the passion for this car was very high. Now with a refresh for the 2015 model year, there is even more to cheer about with the 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Plus. We drove this beast for a week, and even though the Ohio weather wasn’t the best, we still had a great time behind the wheel.

EXTERIOR

Inspired by the iconic 1971 Challenger, all 2015 models take on a bold new appearance that draws on the 1971 model’s split-grille and split-tail lamp cues, updated to 2015 with four signature LED headlamp halo surrounds offset by piano black trim. Single projector-beam headlamps at each front corner light the road ahead. High-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps are also available.

In profile, the 2015 Challenger’s signature muscle car proportions and large thruster rear-quarter panels stand out from the crowd, while fender and belt lines tie together at the front and rear of the car to create a sleeker appearance. Nine wheel designs are available, including an all-new forged aluminum lightweight 20-by-9-inch wheel design finished in Hyper Black II, which provides a unique anodized metallic look with a flush body-side appearance. Meatier, high-performance three-season rubber is available on the Challenger R/T Scat Pack and 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker models. The 20-inch hyper black aluminum wheels on our test model were conversation-starters alone. This car is hot!

A new, split tail-lamp design continues the historic 1971 model’s inspiration. For a modern look, the Dodge brand’s signature LED treatment creates a single ribbon of light within each lamp. A redesigned rear valance provides the 2015 Challenger with a widened, more planted appearance, while fascia-mounted exhaust tips (with the Pentastar V-6 engine) provide a high-performance finished look.

Heritage and high-impact exterior colors range from B5 Blue and Sublime Green to TorRed. Seven different stripe options give Challenger drivers the ability to get instant customization straight from the factory.

INTERIOR

Inside the 2015 Dodge Challenger is an all-new enthusiast-designed cockpit featuring world-class materials, execution and technology, also inspired by the interior of the 1971 Challenger. To highlight the muscle car’s performance abilities, the 2015 Dodge Challenger is designed with a performance cockpit that embodies the trapezoidal-themed exterior in an artistic and more organically styled way.

The Dodge Challenger’s new cleanly executed instrument panel features an aluminum-stamped driver’s bezel that establishes the driver’s cockpit. For a high-tech look, an innovative 7-inch TFT instrument cluster screen extends through the driver’s bezel and provides a customizable display. The gauge cluster features an analog speedometer and tachometer that straddle the TFT customizable instrument cluster and provide a heritage-inspired “tic-toc-tach” look with throwback radial numbering and concave shape. Additionally, the center stack neatly houses the new 5-inch and segment’s largest available 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreens.

A new trapezoidal shaped aluminum-stamped high-sill center console provides Dodge Challenger’s interior with a fresh, asymmetric look, while the leather-wrapped surface and French-seamed accent stitching exudes craftsmanship and style. With its unique elevated design, the all-new center console houses additional controls for the Uconnect touchscreen above with ergonomically located redundant button and knob controls for audio and climate functions. An all-new media hub with an SD card slot, USB outlet and auxiliary audio input is neatly housed inside the center console’s armrest.

A new Dodge steering wheel features a sculpted rim so the driver’s hands have a sure grip at the 2- and 10-o’clock positions, while available paddle shifters (with automatic transmission) are located on the backs of the upper spokes. To make long cruises more comfortable, the 2015 Dodge Challenger features redesigned seats with improved cushioning and more comfortable contours. Available in premium cloth, Ballistic Cloth, Nappa leather and Nappa leather with Alcantara Suede, the Challenger offers performance seats with large side bolsters for maximum lateral support in hard cornering. For improved comfort and convenience, heated and ventilated front seats in Nappa leather are now available. For 2015, the Dodge Challenger offers 14 different interior color and trim selections inspired by the muscle car’s roots. They include a wide variety of colors and materials, from throwback Houndstooth cloth, to Ruby Red and Black, to Tungsten and Black, to Pearl and Black premium leather sport and performance seats with accent stitching.

The Challenger’s acclaimed Uconnect Access system leverages advanced embedded cellular technology, which enables direct, one-touch connections with emergency service providers, roadside assistance dispatchers and vehicle information specialists. With its available mobile phone app, Challenger owners can start their vehicle and lock or unlock doors from a distance. You can also access on-demand Wi-Fi, making you car a moving hotspot. Challenger’s new for 2015 Uconnect Via Mobile lets customers enjoy their personal Internet radio accounts and stream audio content using their own mobile device data plans. It seamlessly brings four popular Internet radio apps into the Dodge Challenger: Aha by Harman, iHeartRadio, Pandora and Slacker. Like all Uconnect-branded features, it is designed to be easy to learn and use.

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PERFORMANCE

For Dodge fans looking for the most affordable V-8 muscle car in America, the new 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T lineup features the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, which delivers up to 375 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque with a six-speed manual transmission as tested. When paired with the highly refined Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual, the Dodge Challenger R/T models feature a unique performance-tuned dual exhaust and under-floor mufflers with low-restriction bottle resonators. The result: 0-60 mph runs in the high-5-second range and a sinister exhaust growl for the cars left in its rearview mirror – a trademark of the original Challenger HEMI from 45 years ago.

When paired with the new, state-of-the-art ZF 8HP70 TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, the 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T models produce 372 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque and include innovative Fuel Saver Technology to seamlessly transition to high fuel economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed, and V-8 mode when more power is in demand. For even more control, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters are included. The result is quicker shifts, an engaging driving experience and even quicker 0-60 mph runs in the 5-second range. The growl from the HEMI is superb and wants one to just turn off the radio, roll down the window and enjoy the sounds.

The Shaker returns for 2015 on the R/T and the R/T Plus models, bringing the iconic engine-mounted, fully functional cold-air induction Shaker hood with up to 410 lb.-ft. of torque and unique wheels, interior trim, exterior styling cues and more. Even though our media car didn’t have the Shaker hood, we have driven one in the past and they are just an added bonus to an already sexy car!

OVERVIEW

There is no doubt that the 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Plus will be on the shopping list for those longing for muscle cars that are true to form. For a price tested at $41,860, you get a whole lot of styling, fun and pure power, and that’s a bargain. Dodge also squeaked out 15mpg in the city and 23mpg in highway driving, and that’s where technology makes life better without costing more!